New species of chicken killer
July 2009
A few years ago, while living in Eastcliff in Hermanus, I kept a few hens that cleaned up the garden for me and provided us with delicious eggs. One night, my beloved little Mrs Fluffy Bum, a little white silky hen, and her three chicks were killed. I had locked them in a secure wire mesh pen and at 7am my garden help found her and the darling little chicks, all dead, and almost totally eaten up. A few wings and feathers fluttered around the enclosure. I was distraught as she had become very tame and a delightful addition to my garden, strutting around with her chicks in the flower beds and scratching for goggas ( nasty insect critters) in the lawns.
I presumed the killer to have been a genet but was amazed at the strength this little creature had to rip open a sturdy wire fence.
Anyway, while discussing the ‘killer’ this 69year old gentleman who was born, raised and worked most of his life on farms in the Overberg district, told me of another chicken killer, besides the muishond, mongoose, genet and otters.
This particular one apparently looks like a huge black mongoose, with coarse black hair and a big bushy tail. Apparently it likes to lie in marshy areas, sometimes in shallow water with just its nose poking out of the water. (Hy het gese dat hierdie dier in die vlei en water le en net sy neusie steek daar uit).
Anyway, he said it has a “poephol wat lyk net soos ‘n geel mieliepit” (a backside, butt-hole) that looks just like a yellow corn seed). It lies still on the ground in a comfortable spot with its tail over its back, displaying its poephol. (Dit le so op die grond met sy stert bo oor sy rug, en toe le wag.) Apparently chickens, and I suppose ducks, come along and check out this mieliepit (corn seed) and peck at it, upon which the ‘poephol’ quickly stretches out and closes over the chickens head. (Die poephol kom mos gou uit en gryp vas die hoender se kop). Then this strange beast runs in circles, which breaks the chicken’s neck, and it is then eaten. (Toe draf die hoender so vinnig in die ronte en toe breek die nek van die hoender.)
I listened to this amazing story, nodded seriously as the whole fable unfolded and was told in no uncertain terms that many farm workers have witnessed this, but he himself, personally, had not, due the fact that this animal is shy and reclusive.
What a story to hear at 7am on a Monday morning. I learn of a new and unrecorded species of reclusive mammal but it doesn’t help me missing my dear little family of white silkie bantam chicks.
I have subsequently related this story to numerous farmers in the Overberg area and many have heard of this ‘mysterious animal’ from farm staff and older family members. The description of the beast actually fits the water mongoose, which in fact is a serious chicken killer along with genets and otters.
I have often thought, with the right accent, this rural legend would make a fabulous animated film clip. Think about it.
Rich tales and fables from rural areas are worth preserving. Many of them now lie buried deep in forgotten graveyards!
--Penn---
